Passport book vs passport card department of state

A nonexpired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Apr 24, 2015 as the other two answers have hinted at, unless you live near the us border or youre traveling by sea vessel, the passport card is rubbish at its stated purpose. What if i want both a passport book and a passport card. The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. If you want to renew either a valid book or a card, you must submit the specific document you want to renew. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. The main difference between a passport card and a passport book other than the physical size and format is that the card can not be used for any international travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. Department of state, is compliant to the standards for identity documents set by the real id act and can be used as proof of.

Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who live in border territories in the us. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel there are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation. There are two versions of a passport issued by the u. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. You can only get a passport card with a passport book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your childs passport online.

Department of state site or by calling the national passport center. If you are considering flying to another country in the next 10 years, we recommend that you obtain a passport book and not a passport card. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. The passport book is your typical passport, a bound, paged booklet that is issued by the us department of state verifying your identity and nationality, usually for the purpose of traveling internationally all international air travel for us passport holders, regardless of origin or destination airport, must be accompanied by a valid us passport book. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. Diplomatic passport black cover diplomatic passports are issued to employees of the us state department who are required to travel or work overseas on state department business. The passport card is the walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings and sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. The only difference that i can find on the department of state website is that with only a card, one would be unable to fly to canada and mexico.

Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. A passport book is valid for travel internationally by air, land or sea.

For example, if you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. A passport card is the size of a drivers license and can be used only for travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, bermuda, and parts of the caribbean. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or driver s license. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Department of state passport services consular loststolen passport unit attn. Department of state statement regarding a lost or stolen u. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean.

Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Us passport cards are technically passports, but they are much more limited in their usability.

Find out if the passport book or passport card is right for you. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the regular passport for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. If you are visiting a regional passport agency, you can make an appointment on the u. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea ports of entry. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country.

A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Both types can be used in certain circumstances, but the difference. Although a passport card is invalid for international air travel it can be used at sea portsofentry or land border crossings and is valid up to 10. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Us passport book and passport card online application. First of all, the passport book contains many pages designated for visa stickers and stamps, while the passport card, on the other hand, is a credit card like id.

S department of state offers two versions of a passport. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. How a passport can help you fly domestically bureau of. Department of state recommends the passport book as it is more versatile.

The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. A passport card looks similar to an id and is about the size of a credit card. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda. Beyond the fact that there are certain limits to where individuals can travel with their passport card, there are certain advantages to this form of identification. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Us passport book and passport card online application assistance service. Difference between passport book and passport card. Us passports bureau of consular affairs us department of state. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Your passport book can be used in any situation where a passport card could be used, but you may find that it is convenient for you to also have a passport card. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air.

Passport card frequently asked questions, ordering online is easy, get started its easy, please let us know if you have any other questions that we have not included in our faq so that we may add them to our list. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. A passport book can also be used as your id for domestic air travel. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas.

The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. Passport book vs card if you are wondering, what is a passport card. Our service is not connected to or affiliated with the department of state or any us government department. For more information please refer to the state department bureau of. The first version is the conventional passport book and the second one is in the form of passport card. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. How many photos are required when applying for both the passport book and passport card on the same application. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler.

Please note important, temporary changes to the passport application and renewal. If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of. If youre only applying for a card, we will send it to you via first class mail. How a passport can help you fly domestically state. Passport book andor card ds64 072018 page 1 of 2 protect yourself against identity theft. The purpose of the passport card is for travelers that are going to canada, mexico, or the caribbean by land or by sea. Most travelers have a passport book because they provide more flexibility in terms of where you can travel. Passport and visa fraud united states department of state. If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Aug, 2015 a passport card is a federally issued id. Differences between a passport book and passport card. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using either form ds11 apply in person or form ds82 renew by mail must be eligible.

It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. Our service is not connected to or affiliated with the department of state or and us government department. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products.

Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern u. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. If you just want a passport card, you can check the card box at the top of your form. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Passport books can be accepted in any country unless theyve barred us citizens from entry, like north korea, and are valid for visa applications, while a passport card can only be used to enter countries by land or sea. What is the diffference between a passport book and a passport card. If you find yourself frequently traveling to canada or mexico but not so much the rest of the world, a passport card is one way to help pinch some pennies. Generally, expedited passport cards are available within 3 to 8 weeks of application. However, applicants must first understand the passport card vs passport book debate before they choose which documentation is better for them.

Renewal application forms and passport photos for renewals are available at holland city hall, but applicants must mail in their own passport renewal applications pdf. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card to board a plane. Just check the box both at the top of form ds11 or ds82. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel.

You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both. Now, in terms of a passport book vs passport card, if you happen to be applying for a passport, you will need to consider which to get. Unless paperwork is needing something that has a local address, it should be accepted whenever a primary or secondary form of identification is requested. If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. Department of state statement regarding a lost or stolen. Business coach and world traveler bailey richert explains how to renew a u. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. Apply for a passport card bureau of consular affairs us.

The state department s website offers complete details and an online application form. You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents using form ds11. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document.

What is the diffference between a passport book and a. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. Difference between a passport book and passport card. The passport card has the same validity as the passport book. Use the state departments online passport appointment system at your. Apply in person bureau of consular affairs us department of state. You cannot use a passport card for international travel by. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Which one you must get completely depends on how you are going to travel and how much you are willing to pay for this travel document. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Diplomatic passports are issued only in washington, dc, at the special issuance agency of the washington passport agency.

Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. Youll notice the passport book has multiple pages for stamps upon entry into a country. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. Many overseas countries need nothing more for entrance compared to a u. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. The department of state is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of. The passport book is valid for all international travel. The passport book is much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on.

During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency. Frequently asked questions bureau of consular affairs us. How will my completed passport book andor passport card be sent to. To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry from canada, mexico, the. You have the freedom to choose which one you wish to have to depend on the country you are planning to travel to. S passport card began on july 14, 2008 and as of march 2010 according to the u. If youre over 16, your passport card is valid for 10 years. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. The difference between passport books and passport cards the most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. The department of state began issuing the passport card in july 2008. Nov 22, 2019 the passport card is basically an individual credit card sized id card.

Our service fee is payable on completion of the form on this website, but you will not be required to pay the passport application fee until you receive and return the printed copy of your application form. Issued also by the us department of state, the passport card is a official identification document, but a limitedtravel document. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. The passport card is a walletsize card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application.

Can i use a us passport card as an alternative to a state. Passport fees bureau of consular affairs us department of state. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid passport. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. For more details, refer to the state department s guide to expedited passports. Photo service for passport photos is available in the clerks office. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel.

Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Using the identity of a deceased person to apply for a passport. The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years.